New Investor moving to Tampa Region (STR, House Hack, SFH fixer)

[Vlad Rudenko]

Hey everybody!

My name is Vlad and I'm a newbie real estate investor currently living in Orlando. My goal is to move to the Tampa Bay region by the end of the Summer/beginning of Fall 2022 and purchase an investment property that I would also live in. I am not limited to any specific neighborhood or region as I work from home. The only area I am familiar with Brandon but that is about it. I would love to connect with a RE agent that has investing experience and knows what areas in Tampa Bay would be to great to live in but also good investment for the future.

Ultimately, my goal would be to buy a duplex and do a house hack while I fix it up and live in it. Through reading the forums and doing my own research, I realize that may not be an option with low availability of quality MFH for a decent price. So, I have come to accept that SFH might be the route for me. This got me thinking of options to create a STR while simultaneously living in a home to begin my investing career with some cashflow. I would like to know if there are legal ways to block off certain portions of the home or potentially have a mother-in-law suite.

I enjoy doing renovations around the house and have experience with flooring install, paint, vanity and cabinet install, drywall repair and minor plumbing and electrical. I am not afraid of a fixer upper that may need some TLC if it means I can pay a lower price on the home. I am approved on for a conventional loan and will be using my own money to cover a fraction of the down payment. I would love to connect and even partner with investors and/or RE agents who have experience in STR's, buy and hold, fixer uppers, and overall knowledge of the Tampa Bay market. Any advice and knowledge is appreciated as I am a newbie not just in investing but also in this area.

[David Ramirez]

Hey Vlad, 

I moved to Tampa from Miami almost 2 years ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. Bought my first investment property (fixer-upper) within 3 months of moving. Tampa bay is one of the hottest real estate markets now in the US because of how rapidly we are expanding. Tampa bay attracts a lot of attention because of its beaches and local attractions. With that said, I think you are making the right move. 

You are more than welcome to Tampa.  Let me know when you move! I can definitely help you out.

Regards, 

David